Forgiveness isn't about cleansing the slate for the other person. It is about yourself. I wouldn't worry about trying to forgive someone else, but just focus on healing yourself and giving kindness, compassion to yourself so that you can move forward in life.
Because we can't link to external webpages, I'll share how you can find this article. Google 'baggagereclaim' and find the website of Natalie Lue. Search for 'forgiveness' on her site and click on the first article that shows up - 'forgiveness isn't about agreeing with or condoning the other person's actions'.
I used to read that over and over again until I was able to integrate it into my thinking and actions.
I also think you have to ask yourself what kind of person you want to be. Do you want to stay bitter? resentful? angry? No judgment on my part if that's where you feel safe and comfortable for now, but do you want to live your whole life like that? Yeh, people did heinous things and it $ucks, but do you want your future to be defined by that?
Also, what doodler said above is majorly true about recon and piecing.
